Moving to Wilmington, NC: 4 Tips to Discover the City

Recently North Carolina has become a desirable destination to movers, and while many may flock to the larger cities of Raleigh and Charlotte, you can find some gems along the coast as well. Fittingly nicknamed the “Port City” due to the city’s significance as a source of trade along the Atlantic, Wilmington, NC, is the ideal destination for any sea-lover or retiree looking to make a quiet and restful home along the East Coast.

Residents within the area enjoy an abundance of renowned restaurants offering the freshest of sea food, along with all of the activities and amenities associated with a coastal lifestyle.

Considering moving to the area soon? Read Street Smart Storage’s complete guide to learn more of Wilmington NC today!

Learn What Drives Wilmington’s Economy

Quick Facts

Population: 122,698

Median Home Value: $318,600

Median Gross Rent: $1,213

Median Household Income: $58,908

Our Ports

Wilmington is a port city, located on the Cape Fear river which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, and consequently, a large portion of the city’s business is built off of tourism and port trade. Notably, the North Carolina State Ports Authority runs its headquarters out of Wilmington, with this establishment being responsible for a sizable portion of Wilmington’s economy.

Overall, the Port Authority is run as a business, and as such, the NCSPA states its mission is to focus on the requirements of its customers and to enhance the economy of the State of North Carolina. The Port focuses on self-sustaining operations, environmental stewardship, a highly efficient workforce, and modern, well-maintained facilities and equipment.

As a result of these efforts, the ports support more than 87,700 jobs across North Carolina, and is reported to contribute $687 million in local and state sales, property, corporate and personal taxes annually. North Carolina’s ports, both the Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City, contributed $15.4 billion annually to the state’s economy in 2018, a figure that makes up a large portion of North Carolina’s overall economic output.

Moving forward, the port will continue to be a dominant economic force in North Carolina, as North Carolina Ports move forward with a $200 million investment in infrastructure improvements that will include new cranes, an enhanced berth, and a wider turning basin to further improve operational efficiencies.

Tourism

As previously mentioned, tourism also accounts for a significant portion of Wilmington’s economy. This revenue is largely generated due to Wilmington’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and its subsequent access to a number of popular beach destinations. This thriving and growing economy is one reason you should consider moving to Wilmington NC this summer.

In addition to attracting beachgoers, Wilmington has made a name for itself as a scenic filming destination. Visitors can tour locations seen in popular television shows like “One Tree Hill,” “Dawson’s Creek,” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”

Explore the Coastal Waterways

Any new visitor would be remiss without a visit to Wilmington’s most popular beach—Wrightsville Beach. Located mere 10 minutes from Downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is home to five miles of wide, pristine, and sandy beaches that feature spectacular views and beautiful crystal blue water year round.

Wrightsville Beach is perennially named among the Top 10 “South’s Best Beach Towns” by the readers of Southern Living, and due to its excellent break, Wrightsville Beach lays claim as the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina. Here visitors can enjoy watersports like surfing, SCUBA diving, kiteboarding, kayaking and more.

Check Out More Favorite Beaches Nearby

• Carolina Beach
• Kure Beach

See Wilmington’s Gorgeous Riverwalk

The Wilmington Riverwalk is a must-visit destination that offers a scenic stroll along the Cape Fear River, blending history, culture, and stunning waterfront views. Spanning nearly 2 miles, the Riverwalk is lined with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and historic landmarks, making it the heart of downtown Wilmington.

Originally built in the 1980s to revitalize the riverfront, the Riverwalk now hosts vibrant festivals, local events, and offers access to the iconic USS North Carolina Battleship, docked just across the river. It’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk, grab a bite to eat, or take in one of Wilmington’s famous sunsets.

Take in the Wildlife

Plan your trip during sea turtle nesting season, a season that lasts from Mid-May through August. Each summer hundreds of Loggerhead Sea Turtles come ashore to nest on North Carolina beaches, laying hundreds of eggs along the shoreline only to return back to sea immediately after.

A nest is made up of as many as 120 eggs roughly the size of a ping-pong ball, with hatching season typically occurring toward the later half of the season. Depending on the season you may be able to attend a public hatching.

Be sure to contact organizations such as the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project for the projected season’s hatching schedule.

Dine Your Way from Downtown to Beachside

Thanks to its location, Wilmington, NC, is host to a number of excellent restaurants that feature fresh and flavorful seafood dishes year round.

Beyond seafood, barbeque has consistently been a staple of the region, with North Carolina highlighting two distinct regional barbeque styles – Lexington Style barbeque (also called Piedmont or Western style), which uses a red sauce, or “dip”, made primarily from tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and vinegar, and Eastern Style barbeque, a whole-hog style of barbeque (the entire pig is cooked) that consists of a vinegar and pepper based marinade without tomatoes.

We’ve listed a few of our area favorites below:

• Jackson’s Big Oak Barbeque – Eastern style barbeque that highlights locally sourced ingredients from area farms that utilize sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.
• Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant – Home of the freshest seafood and the only live lobster tank in town, Fish Bites is your destination for fresh seafood entrees such as Stuffed Flounder, Oyster Bombs, and fantastic steamer platters with Crab Legs, Shrimp, Clams, Oysters and more. The restaurant also features a Seafood Market on premise – Choose from a seasonal variety of fresh fish and shellfish wrapped and packaged raw and ready to be grilled at home.
• Casey’s Buffet – Family owned since 2005, this Wilmington establishment offers a buffet-styled Southern soul food experience meant to mirror the flavors and cooking of owner Larry Casey’s late grandmother’s cooking.
• Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar – This restaurant specializes in Cape Fear cuisine, and is the mastermind of area commercial fisherman Glenn Hieronymus. Founded in 1980, Hieronymous Seafood Restaurant features local seafood, fresh oysters, and an extensive cocktail menu set in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
• Catch – Catch boasts modern seafood cuisine served alongside vibrant organic produce and herbs, and is the creation of James Beard Finalist for best Southeast Chef, Keith Rhodes. Be sure to make a reservation for this restaurant. Seating is limited, and this establishment is seen as one of Wilmington’s trendiest dining spots.

Experience the History of Wilmington

Wilmington is a city known for its historical significance, largely due to the city’s prominence as a strategic Port City for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Wilmington’s Historic Downtown and Riverwalk areas feature numerous historic sites, landmarks, parks, and houses that include:

• Bellamy Mansion – An example of early 1800’s architecture, visitors can tour the exquisitely restored 10,000-square-foot house and recreated grounds boasting one of the few preserved urban slave quarters in the country.
• Battle Ship North Carolina – Moored across the river from downtown Wilmington, this retired battleship was originally built in 1941, and served throughout much of WWII, up until its retirement and restoration as a Dedicated Historic Landmark in 1961. The memorial seeks to provide homage to the more than 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war. On board, visitors can experience a self-guided tour that features nine levels of living spaces, mess decks, gun turrets, powder storage and more.
• Cape Fear Museum of History and Science – Founded in 1898, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is the oldest history museum in the state of North Carolina. The museum collects, preserves and interprets objects relating to the history and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear region, and is noted to hold more than 52,000 artifacts relating to various aspects of the Lower Cape Fear region.
• Airlie Gardens – Airlie Gardens is a 67-acre public garden originally created as a private garden for the Pembroke Jones family in 1886. The name ‘Airlie’ was derived from the Jones’ family home in Scotland, and the garden features thousands of azaleas, camellias, magnolias, palms, and wisteria.

Consider checking the city’s calendar prior to planning your downtown visit. Wilmington holds numerous events such as concerts, speeches, and free historic tours throughout the year making the downtown area a perfect weekend getaway.

 

Stay Organized with Street Smart Storage in Wilmington, NC

If you’re considering moving to Wilmington, NC, what are your next steps?

Look no further than Street Smart Storage for reliable self storage units in Wilmington, NC. Whether you are looking for temperature-controlled storage units, drive-up units, vehicle storage options, or even the convenience of onsite U-haul moving rentals, we are your solution.

Stop by today to see why we have been voted “Best Storage Units in Wilmington, NC!”

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